Checo Pérez: ‘Suddenly they realize how difficult the car is’
Sergio Pérez wishes Yuki Tsunoda and Red Bull, but remember how complicated the RB20 was, something that is now taken into account
Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez He gave statements for the second time since he was cut by Red Bull At the end of last season and said that now everyone realizes how difficult it is to handle the car, but at the same time wishes the team that triumphs with Yuki Tsunodabecause Japanese has the attitude and speed to do so.
“Especially last year, I could not demonstrate what I can do as a pilot,” he said Checo Pérezwho was replaced by Liam Lawson and in turn, the Neozyre only lasted two major awards on Red Bull to give their place to Yuki Tsunodaafter not adapting to the car.
“Now, suddenly, people realize how difficult it is to drive the car.”
In conversation via video called with the journalist Lawrence Barretto of F1.com, Czech Pérez also assured that he is in conversations with several teams and that he will only return to Formula 1 if he finds a project that makes sense.
“If I find a project that motivates me fully to return, where the team creates in me and value my career, my experience and everything I can contribute, it would be very attractive to consider it,” he said.
Checo Pérez wishes Yuki Tsunoda luck
About Yuki Tsunoda and Red Bull He said he has very good friends there, he is not very aware of what has happened lately inside, although he has spoken with some, but he hopes that the team will triumph and that the Japanese do it very well.
“I really want the team to have a good performance, since I have many friends in the team,” Pérez said. “I spent four years with them and I want to succeed. It is a very difficult topic to address.”
“Right now, I’m out, I’ve been in contact with some team members, but when you’re not present internally, it’s hard to know what is happening.”
“For me, it was very simple: it is quite difficult to get 100% to the car, gain confidence, and even Adrian (Newey, former team designer) talked about the things I had difficulty.
“But I want to wish them the best. Woody, a great friend of mine, is from engineer to Yuki now, so I hope they do well.”
“Yuki has talent, speed and, above all, the mentality to face it. I think he has the right mentality and attitude to face it. I hope they triumph.”
Checo Pérez He spent four seasons in Red Bull, 90 races in which he won 5 large awards, won 29 podiums, two builders’ titles and a worldwide runner-up of pilots that completed a historical 1-2 for the Milton Keynes team.
In December 2024, after a streak of bad results, the product of an unmanageable car, Red Bull managers decided to pay their exit from the team, despite the fact that he had two years of contract, one of them as an option.
“Everything happened very late in the season,” Pérez said. “I really didn’t expect it. It only became more evident when we were in Qatar, and we started talking and negotiating my exit of the team. Everything happened very fast.”
Today, Czech Pérez enjoys life that he has not been able to have since he went to Europe with 14 years to pursue his dream and spend the calm days with his family.
Checo enjoy family life and listen to offers to return to F1
“It has been fantastic to have this time to take distance, see the sport from the outside and realize my career in many ways,” said the six -time winner of the Grand Prix, who also won 39 podiums.
“I feel that I am in a privileged position in my career, knowing that I have always taken full advantage of all my opportunities, and that, as a athlete, is very important for me.”
At least, Cadillac, the new team that will join the F1 in 2026 has shown interest in having Czech Pérez in its ranks, after statements of its main team Graeme Lowdon and the special advisor on pilots, Mario Andretti.
“That’s why I have given myself at least six months to evaluate all my options and decide what to do with my career.
“There are several very interesting projects. I have contacted me several teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has already begun, so some possibilities will open in the coming months.
“We are talking with several parts. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What I am very clear is that I will only return if the project makes sense and it is something that I can enjoy.
“I’ve been in F1 for a long time, almost everything. Once you take a step back, you realize how much you have to quit in life to be in this sport. So, to be totally committed to F1, I need motivation.
Checo Pérez said he felt revalued, although in F1 the memory is very short: “It is good to be in this position knowing that people appreciate you as a pilot. In F1, people have little memory.
“In a couple of races, they forget what you have done. People realize that my position was not the easiest in F1, and in general I have done very well.”
“When I joined Red Bull, there were great pilots who had had difficulties: Alex (Albon), Pierre (Gasly), are fantastic pilots and had difficulties.
“I spent so much time in Red Bull that everyone forgot how difficult it is to drive the car, so it was complicated.
“I feel that, if there is a project that makes sense for me, and also with the change of regulations by 2026, I think that taking a year free will have no impact if I return.”
